A rhythm of slow steady beeps brought her into the waking world. The sound of shoes clicking on hard floor. And a low chatter she couldn't quite make out. She suddenly became so aware of everything. The rising and falling of her chest. The scratchy sheets covering her body. And the pain. She was drifting in between pain and numbness. As if she were floating in a sea of needles.
"Fella's you need to get out of here and get some sleep. Me or one of the guys will call and let ya know when she wakes up. Doctors got her pretty looped," Darry said somberly.
"I don't think I'll be able to sleep. Mom's down the hall. Best if I was here," Johnny said warily.
"Yeah, I'll stay. Too keyed up to sleep," Ponyboy said sadly.
"Guys, the doctors said she'd be fine. Just beat up. We'll get things straightened out soon enough."
"Tell that to Dally," Johnny said flatly. "Took two of ya to get him out of the hospital. Hell, if my dad wasn't in the hospital already; I'm sure he'd put him there anyways.
Light poured through the slits of her eyes. She tried to make a noise, but it came out a small grunt.
"June?" Johnny said springing out of the chair.
She nodded as she tried to lift herself.
"Hey, hey, hey," Soda Pop said as he put his hand on her shoulder. "Take easy, alright? Got pretty banged up."
"Is Ralph okay?" she asked shly.
Johnny nodded with almost disbelief.
"He's got a broken leg, lot of bruising and a pretty nasty concussion. Probably will have to be here awhile. Mom's all to peices about it. You've got a concussion, a broken arm, and some broken ribs. ... You guys wrecked. And you flew out of the car, on account of you not wearing your belt and all."
Her lip quiver as the guilt hit her all at once. This was all her fault.
"I'm sorry, Johnny. I'm really sorry. It just got out of hand and-"
Johnny gently enfolded her into a hug. "Nothing to be sorry about. Accidents happen all the time. Dad's like a roach. Probably go on living forever. What happened? Why'd you leave?"
With four pairs of eyes staring at her, she took a deep breath. "I heard what Dallas said about me. Probably meant nothing by it. But I don't like being treated like some kinda object. Get enough of that at home. Just needed to get out of there; clear my mind. Guess he saw me walking home, and shoved me in the car. Talking about how I look like a tramp. Like my mom, ya know? Anyway, he put his hand where it didn't belong. I guess I panicked. I just didn't want him putting his hands on me anymore."
She cast here eyes down and folded her arms around her chest. Pain shot through her body and she hissed.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Darry breathed softly.
"Hard enough to tell my own brother. Didn't want to embarrass myself. Sides, this isn't something you talk about I guess."
Before she could finish her thought, there was a knock at the door. Velda looked like hell. Red blood shot eyes, and a worn face. She motioned Johnny outside.
Darry glanced at Soda and Ponyboy. "We'll finish this talk soon alright? I suppose we better let you rest." He motioned his brothers out.
"Wait," she pipped up. "Ponyboy, can I talk to you?"
"Yeah," he said nervously. "I'll catch you guys later."
The silence hung heavy in the air, as the pair shuffled out of the room. He sank down on her stiff hospital bed and peered at her worry worn face.
She figited with her blanket as she tried to gather the words.
"I' , for leaving you there. And ruining such a good time. I'm a lousy date huh?" She offered.
He shook his head and forced a smile, "Naw, I mean I get it. I'm sure all that arguing wasn't comfortable for you. I just wish you coulda turned to once of us," he said gently.
"I-I wish I could be the one you turn to," he said quietly "I'm gonna work on that. You guys are so nice. My dad spends so much worrying about my mom, I'm just not used to people paying attention. That doesn't make it right though..."
"We sure care about you, June. All the guys. Hell, even Dallas, in his own way."
She nodded and looked him in the eye, "I'm not used to people caring. You guys make me feel cared for. And it just means the whole wide world. And. I forgot to give you something last night."
"What?" Ponyboy said with genuine confusion.
She patted spot right next to her, and Ponyboy obliged. She leaned up gently and slowly as she placed her hand on the nape of Ponyboy's neck. And gently pressed her lips to Ponyboy's. When his shock wore of, he moved his lips against hers. He pulled away before June could deepen the kiss. His cheeks were all rosey, and a smile was stetched across his face.
"I uh... I don't want to hurt you. You know, your tender ribs. Besides that heart monitor might give us away," he joked. She smiles and closed her eyes. She felt his lips on her temple.
"I'll stop by tonight, okay? Get some rest," he breathed. He gently layed her back down on her pillows, carefully minding her arm and ribs. She saw him linger in the doorway before disappearing into the hall.
Velda watched June through the doorway. She was a spitting image of her mom, with Ralphs dark, dark eyes. She spent a lot of years angry about her mom. June was just an insult to an already sore wound. Obviously wasn't keen on the idea of her staying with them while her momma recovered. But the Ralph and Johnny seemed so excited to meet her. And no one said no to Ralph Cade. She knew that better than anyone.
She felt a twinge of guilt when she saw her lay there. Truth be told, she always wanted a daughter. And she was a good kid making the best out of a bad situation; helped around the house, always real polite. She didn't want to believe what Johnny was saying out in the hall. But at the heart of it she knew, he wasn't lying. Changes were coming, but not today. Today was about getting through the day as best as you can.
She leaned in the door frame and sighed. "June... Johnny told me what happened. And, you're still welcome to stay." Before June could respond, Velda walked away quickly; leaving a great deal unsaid.